Top 7 Best Tow Behind Sprayers: A Comprehensive Review
Whether you’re a farmer or a gardener, your plants rely on you for their growth. To ensure that your plants or grass receive adequate nutrition, it’s necessary to spray them with liquid fertilizer and pesticides.
Using a backpack sprayer to cover the entire ground can be time-consuming, exhausting, and inefficient. Looking for a better solution? Consider using tow-behind sprayers instead.
The best tow-behind sprayers are equipped with pneumatic wheels, spray wands, booms, pumps, and large tank capacities, making them ideal for covering extensive areas.
Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it? Our comprehensive tow-behind sprayer reviews will only add to your fascination. Join us as we analyze the top-of-the-line tow-behind sprayers and discover how they can help you achieve an exceptional lawn.
Best Tow Behind Sprayer Reviews
Since you won’t be purchasing a tow-behind sprayer every month, it is advisable to take your time and invest in the one that is most suitable for your lawn or crop field.
The tow-behind sprayers we have compiled here are guaranteed to help maintain your lawn or crops’ health and pest-free condition. We hope that among the selection provided, you will find the perfect tow-behind sprayer for your needs.
1. NorthStar Tow-Behind Trailer Boom Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
Are you tired of your tow behind sprayer pump malfunctioning after only a few usages? This can happen if you spray pesticides too often. Don’t worry because NorthStar has you covered.
The NorthStar broadcast and spot sprayer features chemical-resistant Viton seals. These seals will protect the motor from pesticide chemicals, making your pump last longer.
Speaking of the pump, it has an NSQ series on-demand motor that can continually run until your tank is empty. Yes, you no longer need to wait for the diaphragm pump to cool down before spraying again. If you are wondering, it has a 2.2 GPM rating, which is lightning fast.
The 12-inch pneumatic tires are so smooth that it almost makes you feel like there’s nothing behind your tow truck. Due to its pneumatic nature, it is also great for towing.
It’s an awesome sprayer, but there’s a small problem. The included plastic ball valves break easily. You’ll have to buy a brass valve if you don’t want trouble.
Capacity is easily the best part of this sprayer. It has a 21-gallon tank that can easily cover big lawns. It also has UV resistance, which means the liquid inside the tank won’t have any problem staying under sunlight.
Pros
- It has a 2.2 gallons per minute or 70 PSI max pump output rating
- Large 21-gallon tank capacity that easily covers the whole lawn
- UV resistant tank body for added protection
- The NSQ series on-demand motor has chemical resistance
Cons
- Includes cheap plastic ball valves that break easily
Short Verdict
Considering all the features, especially the chemical-resistant pump, the NorthStar broadcast and spot sprayer is a fantastic towable sprayer.
2. Ironton Tow-Behind Trailer Broadcast and Spot Sprayer
Having the largest capacity tank or the fastest spraying motor does not necessarily mean it’s right for you. If you have a small lawn, saving money and getting a small sprayer will be more than sufficient.
The Ironton broadcast and spot sprayer has a tank capacity of 13 gallons. And the small capacity means that you can easily move the sprayer around. 13 gallons is also plenty for small lawns.
From a glance, the 1 GPM pump may seem slow compared to the previous sprayer, but if you have a small lawn, 1 GPM is more than enough to cover the ground. Anything faster might waste your liquid.
The manufacturer confirmed that it’s compatible with all types of pesticides. So, don’t worry about any damage, and keep eliminating those filthy pests.
The only problem is the cheap spray wand. It is plastic, which is expected at this price point. Make sure to keep it out of extremely cold temps.
It also has pesticide gallon marks molded into its body to ensure that you can easily monitor how much liquid you have left. This will notify you when to refill the tank.
The sprayer comes with a 7 and a half inch easy empty bottom drain plug to make it easy for you to empty the tank before refilling a different liquid. Using it, you can easily drain the leftovers.
Pros
- 1 GPN chemical-resistant industrial grade pump
- 13-gallon tank capacity for small to medium lawns
- Gallon level molded into the tank for monitoring
- 11 feet hose length for utmost flexibility
- UV resistant tank body with extra thick walls
Cons
- Not suitable for covering big lawns
- Spray wand made of cheap quality plastic
Short Verdict
With its 3x thick tank walls and the option to switch between broadcast and spot spray patterns, the Ironton sprayer is truly a phenomenal pesticide sprayer for small lawns.
3. CHAPIN International Tow Dripless Fertilizer, Herbicide, and Pesticide Sprayer
CHAPIN has always been a top brand when it comes down to tow behind sprayers. Does this model from CHAPLIN live up to its brand reputation? Let’s find out.
This 15-gallon tow behind sprayer is made of polycarbonate. Because of the build material, it is very lightweight and can be effortlessly moved around. Furthermore, the trailer is made of heavy-duty steel, and the universal hitch is adjustable.
The tank and the motor are compatible with all sorts of liquid fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides, so there’s no holding back. Your lawn will surely look like a champion.
Also, the CHAPLIN sprayer comes with a 5-inch wide mouth to ensure easy filling and cleaning. The bigger the mouth, the more precisely you can refill your tank.
Everything was fine until we came across the motor. The pump has good operating pressure, but the GPM is very low (0.5 GPM). But, hey! It has a dual filtration system to help purify your pesticides.
Unlike most sprayers, this one comes with an 18-inch brass wand. Let it be freezing cold or scorching hot; the wand can withstand everything.
The dripless professional water-lock wand will ensure that no liquid is wasted. It also has a spray boom of 7 feet. With this, you can easily cover a good amount of area.
Pros
- 5-inch wide mouth and drain plug to fill and clean the tank easily
- It comes with an 18-inch brass wand and a 15 feet hose
- 15-gallon tank made with a polycarbonate plastic
- Includes a durable steel frame trailer for easy towing
Cons
- Very low 0.5 gallons per minute pump rating
Short Verdict
With all the features it packs, the CHAPLIN lawn sprayer truly lives up to its brand reputation. It will be perfect for small to medium lawns.
4. HOMESTEAD Pull & Tow Boom Broadcast Trailer Sprayer
If you have rough terrain, chances are, you have already replaced many pneumatic wheels. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Well, we got something for you that will surely get rid of that frustration.
Unlike other models that have pneumatic tires, the Homestead pull behind sprayer features tires equipped with foam. As the wheels don’t have any air, there’s no chance of any flat tires. These 10-inch wheels are truly built differently.
For convenience, this tow behind sprayer includes a hook and loop strap that you can use to store your hose and wand after spraying. Now you can keep these things off the ground when not spraying.
Homestead has included a spray gun that can produce different levels of spray width. From a steady stream to a mist-like spray boom, you’ll have it all.
You may not receive the necessary parts, such as hose clamps or Viton valves. This is, of course, not the sprayer’s fault. In such a scenario, you’ll have to buy those parts separately.
The 1.1 GPM diaphragm pump, with its 12-gallon tank capacity, can easily cover small to medium lawns, and the adjustable spray wand can spray up to 15 feet vertically and 30 horizontally. Yeap, no corner will go un-sprayed.
Pros
- 10-inch flat-proof foam tires for any type of terrain
- It comes with a hook strap to securely store the hose and wand
- Adjustable spray gun that can produce different levels of spray
- 12-gallon tank with 1.1 GPM Everflo pump with chemical resistance
Cons
- Some essential items may not be included
Short Verdict
The flat-proof foam wheels are alone worth buying the HOMESTEAD pull behind sprayer. Furthermore, the pump flow rate and other features further seal the deal.
5. Agri-Fab 45-0292 Tow Sprayer
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could keep an eye on your tow behind sprayer’s tank? This would make emptying or refilling the tank thousand times easier. Well, Agri-Fab has heard your call.
The tank is made of lightweight yet heavy-duty polycarbonate. Because of the tank material, the liquid is visible from the outside.
Agri-Fab has gallon markers to help you monitor how much liquid you have left to make things more convenient for you.
When you extend the sprayer booms, they can cover up to 7 feet wide. If you do the calculations, this means you can easily cover even big lawns. Small or medium lawns are a child’s play to this tow behind sprayer.
The best part about this tow behind sprayer is that it can attach to virtually any lawn tractor regardless of its brand. This is possible because of its universal hitch that is compatible with everything.
Like the previous tow behind sprayer, this one also suffers from careless packaging. Since it requires a bit of assembly, this can get very frustrating for newcomers.
This sprayer runs on a battery. You’d be glad to know that the battery can easily connect to your vehicle’s electric source and draw power from it – no need to buy extra battery clips.
Pros
- 15-gallon tank has gallon marks for easy measuring
- Extended sprayer boom can cover 7 feet
- 3-year limited warranty
- The universal hitch fits all types of tractors
- It can connect easily to the vehicle’s power source
Cons
- Some necessary items may not be included in the package
Short Verdict
Considering how much the Agri-Fab tow behind sprayer costs, you get a lot of useful features that even expensive sprayers don’t have. Easily one of the best tow behind sprayers.
6. NorthStar Tow-Behind Trailer Sprayer
If you have a giant lawn, it is better to save up and get a large tow behind sprayer. Getting a small or medium sprayer will only make things difficult for you. With that said, is NorthStar worth your attention? Let’s find out.
This is the largest tank-capacity sprayer on this list. It has a whopping 55-gallon tank. The tank has extra thick walls to accompany that large size and ensure there’s no leakage. Also, the tank is UV resistant, perfect for continual outdoor spraying.
To ensure you can cover even the largest fields, NorthStar has included a 20 feet hose. The reinforced polyvinyl chloride body of the hose makes it resistant to twists and turns. Ultimately, you get a super durable hose.
Furthermore, the spray nozzle has a coverage of 32 feet in width. If you didn’t notice, this is the most extensive spray coverage any tow behind sprayer has to offer. Conquering big grounds just became effortless.
That’s not all. The conventional nozzle has two spraying modes; broadcast spraying and spot spraying. These modes will come in handy if you spray specific spots and save resources.
Unlike other models where you get a diaphragm pump, NorthStar offers you a 160cc Honda GC engine pump that has a rating of 7 GPM. This speed rating will give Superman a run for his money.
Pros
- Large 55-gallon tank capacity with 3x thick walls
- 7 gallons per minute 160cc Honda GC engine pump
- Sports an adjustable nozzle with two spraying modes
- It has a 20ft vinyl reinforced hose with a 32 ft coverage area
Cons
- Assembling can be a bit difficult
Short Verdict
With its durable chemical-resistant components, high-capacity tank, and controllable spray pattern, the NorthStar reliable sprayer wins the best tow behind sprayer award.
7. John Deere Tow Behind Sprayer
As tow sprayer pumps are specifically designed for moving fluid, they can easily get damaged if the tank is empty. Not everyone can constantly keep an eye on their tank to avoid damage. So, what’s the solution?
John Deere uses a specialized 100 PSI 2.1 GPM ShurFlo diaphragm pump to run until the tank is empty. Meaning that even if your motor goes dry, it will continue to run without any problem. The days of constantly watching your tank are over.
Unlike other spray tips, this one has a brass-plated spray tip that can easily produce streams as wide as 30 feet. You also get a side-mounted hose strap for holding the 19 feet hose and the spray nozzle. Speaking of spray nozzles, you get three of them.
This boom sprayer has a control valve that lets you use the boom or the wand to spray. Using the wet booms will let you cover more ground, while the wand lets you reach tight corners to spray fertilizers.
It also has a built-in galvanized steel frame stand that stores the tow behind the sprayer vertically. This can come in handy for people who have small spaces.
Lastly, the John Deere tow behind sprayer comes in three options: 15, 25, and 45 gallons. As the tank capacity increases, so does the boom and spray width.
Pros
- 2.1 gallons per minute ShurFlo pump that can run dry
- The tow sprayer comes with three adjustable nozzles
- Side-mounted hose strap for easy hose storage
- Brass-tipped spray nozzle for utmost durability
- Steel stands for storing the garden sprayer vertically
Cons
- The attachment option is limited
Short Verdict
Unlike the other tow behind sprayers at a similar price point, the John Deere tow sprayer does not have any flaws, making it a solid choice for any lawn size.
Before You Buy What to Look for
Tow-behind sprayers are long-term investments, which means that you don’t buy them often. When making such investments, it is wise to take the time to consider all the factors that play a crucial role in terms of quality.
Here are the essential features you must remember before buying a tow-behind sprayer. Remember: only the best tow-behind sprayers will possess these qualities.
Tank Capacity
The tank capacity is arguably the most important aspect of a tow-behind sprayer. Choosing a suitable sprayer tank will determine how efficiently you can spray your entire lawn or field.
For instance, a 12- or 15-gallon tank will be enough for small or medium-sized lawns. However, if you use it for larger grounds, you must refill it multiple times. This not only wastes your energy but also consumes much more time.
If you are a farmer who needs to cover a significant amount of ground, opting for a tank that exceeds 20 gallons is better. Remember, the more capacity, the better.
Pump
After considering the tank capacity, the pump rating and quality should receive your utmost attention. The pump rating refers to how many gallons of liquid it can spray out per minute, typically indicated as GPM (gallons per minute) in the highlighted or pros section.
Now, should you simply choose the pump with the highest rating? Well, not necessarily. A higher rating does not necessarily mean it’s the right fit for your needs. A pump with a rating between 0.5 to 1 GPM will be perfect if you have a small to medium-sized lawn.
However, for larger lawns, opting for a pump with a rating of 2 GPM or higher is advisable, as you’ll need to cover more ground.
Pressure
Having a big tank capacity also implies a higher pump rating. However, what if you desire a large tank with a low pump rating? This is when a pressure washer or pressure gauge becomes crucial. This tool allows you to control or monitor the operating pressure of your pump.
In general, you can opt for a pressure gauge with a 70 PSI (pounds per square inch) rating. This pressure is suitable for all types of pumps.
Hitch Fitting
What’s the purpose of acquiring a tow-behind sprayer if you can’t connect it to your garden tractor or lawnmower? Therefore, the initial aspect to confirm is whether the sprayer is compatible with your lawnmower/tractor or not.
If you prefer to avoid the hassle, there’s a convenient solution. Obtain a tow-behind sprayer equipped with a universal hitch. This type of adjustable hitch is compatible with nearly every vehicle.
Wheels
Wheels or tires serve as the unsung heroes of tow-behind sprayers, carrying the weight of the sprayer itself. If you have a smooth and level lawn or field, pneumatic tires will be the most suitable choice. These tires are also ideal for handling large tanks.
However, if you encounter rough terrain, it is advisable to consider tires that have foam inside. Pneumatic tires may not be capable of handling the harshness of such conditions.
Booms and Nozzles
Booms and nozzles play a vital role in determining the spray width of your sprayer. Nozzles are attached to the spray wands and enable spot spraying.
Booms, on the other hand, are large rails that cover extensive areas. If you prefer spot spraying, using nozzles is the recommended approach. However, if you intend to perform broadcast spraying, booms are your allies. Achieving a good spray width can only be accomplished by using top-quality nozzles.
Other Important Features
A double filtration system serves as a cleansing solution, ensuring a cleaner and purer chemical spraying experience.
In addition to wheels, tow bars also hold significance. Acquiring a retractable tow bar is advisable for the best towing experience.
Since you will be spraying chemicals, it’s crucial that your tank possesses UV resistance. Protecting those chemicals from the sun’s harmful rays should be your utmost priority.
How to Secure Long-Life for Tow Behind Sprayer?
It may sound harsh, but even the best tow-behind sprayer is not immortal and can be prone to damage. Like any other machine, it requires proper care to ensure a long lifespan.
The pump serves as the heart of the sprayer. Without it, the sprayer becomes a mere liquid container. Hence, it is essential to clean the pump or motor on a weekly basis. Ensure thorough rinsing to remove any debris.
Checking the connections and fittings before adding any liquid is also advisable. Ensure that nothing is clogged. A smooth liquid output is crucial for extending the life of the sprayer.
Tow Behind Sprayer Spare Parts
So, you’re not satisfied with the performance of your tow-behind sprayer? Worry not, spare parts are available to upgrade your tow sprayer.
Shut-off Valve
It is not always simple to shut off the sprayer while using a spray wand. You can utilize a shut-off valve to ensure effortless control over turning off the spraying whenever desired. This valve is placed in your spray wand, enabling you to shut off the sprayer anytime.
Aftermarket Pumps
Did you know that you have the option to replace your pump when it stops working instead of purchasing an entirely new tow-behind sprayer? Additionally, you can even upgrade the gallon per minute rating if you prefer.
Spray Wand
Not satisfied with the cheap plastic spray wand that came with your sprayer? Don’t worry, as you have the option to upgrade it as well.
There are numerous aftermarket spray wands available made of premium brass material. These upgraded wands can also enhance your spray width.
Fittings
To save costs, manufacturers may provide you with inexpensive plastic fittings. However, these fittings are prone to breaking, either immediately or over time. To prevent this from happening, you can purchase spare high-quality gaskets, seals, hitch pins, Viton, and ball valves from Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do tow-behind sprayers come in pieces or pre-assembled?
This depends on the model you are acquiring. Some models come pre-assembled, while others require assembly. If your model is not pre-assembled, there’s no need to worry, as the assembly process is straightforward.
2. What’s the difference between a pull-behind sprayer and tow behind sprayer?
There is actually no difference between a pull-behind sprayer and a tow-behind sprayer. They are just different names for the same thing.
3. What type of battery does a tow-behind sprayer need?
If your tow-behind sprayer operates on a battery instead of electricity, you will require a 12-volt power source (battery) to power it.
4. Can I adjust the spray width of my tow behind sprayer?
This depends on your sprayer. Many sprayers are equipped with adjustable spray nozzles that allow you to control the flow and width.
5. Do I need a tow behind sprayer?
It depends on the size of your lawn or field. If you feel that you cannot cover the entire area using a handheld sprayer, you can opt for a tow-behind sprayer.
6. What’s the difference between a spot sprayer and a broadcast sprayer?
A spot sprayer is designed for targeting specific spots, as the name suggests. Its narrow spray width makes it ideal for spraying fence lines or specific areas. On the other hand, a broadcast sprayer has a wider spray width, allowing it to cover larger areas more efficiently.
Also read: Best 3-Point Quick Hitch
Final Words
Manufacturers will often conceal the flaws and embellish the specifications of their tow-behind sprayers. Therefore, don’t let those fancy specifications deceive you. Understanding both the advantages and disadvantages is crucial when considering a tow-behind sprayer, as it is an essential tool for farmers and lawn enthusiasts.
If you have read our comprehensive reviews of the best tow-behind sprayers, you are already equipped with the knowledge to assess their pros and cons. Now, all that remains is to choose the one that best suits your needs.
